Ursinus’ Farris takes the LEAP to make his grandfather proud

If Ursinus College junior co-captain Eric Farris doesn’t see his grandfather at one of his competitive Centennial Conference match-ups, he is sure to get a phone call not long after the game’s final whistle.

“He’s just always been there in my life,” says Farris of his faithful role model, a resident of Lancaster who gets to most of his grandson’s contests. “He makes sure I’m doing the right thing.”

Well, Grandpa Farris can’t be feeling all too disappointed these days in the Pottgsrove High graduate, the Wapner Newman Wigrizer & Brecher Collegiate Scholar-Athlete of the Week.

Besides carrying a 3.59 GPA in his major of Business and Economics, Farris, the Grizzlies’ leading scorer (10 goals), is helping to carry his team to the role of contender in the Centennial Conference.

“This year, we can make a move and be one of the top four teams,” said Farris, who Saturday turned in a six-goal performance in a 16-7 loss to Stevenson, undefeated and ranked fifth in the nation.

For Farris and his teammates, eyeing the conference playoffs is just one goal this season.

Another mission the Grizzly men have embarked upon is taking their sport to the streets – the city streets, that is.

Farris has joined his team members in their quest to bring the game of lacrosse to the Philadelphia inner city. Every Tuesday night, as part of the LEAPS program initiated by lacrosse professionals Johnny Christmas and Eric Gregg, the Ursinus men help teach their sport to fresh players that Farris describes as, “interested, but without the resources.”

Ironically, it’s no leap that Farris finds himself involved in LEAPS, an acronym for “Lacrosse Education Attitude Perseverance & Success”. Farris embodies the qualities that bring success on and off the field ~ and that’s something Grandpa can be proud of.

The oldest Farris, however, isn’t the only family member beaming with pride, nor is he the only relative offering pearls of wisdom to the UC standout.

With almost two full seasons still ahead of him, Farris is quick to take the advice of his older brother, former Muhlenberg All-conference performer Kyle Farris, who reminds his younger sibling to enjoy his collegiate lacrosse experience.
His brotherly advice? “Cherish it for now.”

Not one to disappoint, Farris is doing just that.

“I feel like lacrosse allows me some outstanding opportunities,” Farris said. “It has given me so much and allowed me to meet outstanding people.”